Both women face impossible choices regarding their children and careers. Mia’s path is defined by a desperate, active choice to keep Pearl, while Elena’s is defined by a passive acceptance of a role she felt forced into.
Critics noted that this episode provided "much-needed backstory" and depth to the series, filling in gaps that had existed since the premiere. [S1E6] The Uncanny
A young Mia (played by Tiffany Boone) leaves her home in Pennsylvania to study at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. There, she meets the captivating photographer Pauline Hawthorne, who becomes her mentor and lover. Due to financial struggles after losing her scholarship, Mia makes the life-altering decision to become a surrogate for a couple, the Ryans, which eventually leads her to run away with her newborn daughter, Pearl. Both women face impossible choices regarding their children